Looking to detail my truck for the first time.

[Speedracer 64]

Hey everybody. Going to fully detail my truck for the first time. It is real bad about having water spots in the paint. Just looking for the best way to go about doing this.

 

[Speedracer 64]

Anybody?

 

[megacabcummins]

Tell us about your truck, that would help us a lot to be able to help you, some pictures would be great so we can see what you have to work with.

And welcome to AG !! :dblthumb2:

 

[wysiwyg]

Also, are you going to be working by hand or using a polisher?

Do you have any existing products you plan to use or are you going to being ordering product?

 

[Speedracer 64]

I am going to be doing it by hand. All I really have now is wax and polish. I have Liquid Glass wax and NuFinish polish. I'll try to get some pics later when I get off work.

 

[HDDetail]

i removed water spots easily with m205 and a pc7424.

 

[Mobile detail]

Best stuff I've found is H20 Spot remover. I know CG has one but its really pricey. I've use i think its p&s and its $15/gal vs CG $16.99 for 16oz. It works great. The CG does work and its great if you don't need a lot but I use it around the house on shower doors and fixtures.

I would probally invest in a better polish. M205 is super easy to work with. As far as OTC wax, maybe some Megs #26? It really depends on what your trying to achieve and what your working on. Post some pics, I'll see if I can help and if not, I'm sure others will chime in.


Welcome to AG!!!!

 

[Speedracer 64]

I can't get a pic that will show what I'm talking about. It's just light scratches and water spots.

 

[Speedracer 64]

What is some good polish I can buy at the store or is it better to order some. Where can I get the H2O Spot Remover?

 

[excalibur]

Over the counter at Wally world : Meguiars Gold Class, Mothers Gold, Zymol, Surf City Garage. :xyxthumbs:

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Don't even bother polishing by hand.

 

[Speedracer 64]

Will clay bar and wax work for me then since don't polish by hand? Also what about interior cleaning, I have a few stains in the carpet.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Clay bar will remove bonded contaminants, but won't remove any defects. Just wait until you buy a polisher before attempting anything else.

 

[LuxuryMobile]

I'm with Mark. You will only get discouraged if you try to polish by hand.

Also, do some reading around the forum. There is a ton of info on hear and you will learn a great amount of every topic from interior to paint to wheels to engines.

Often time when people come here and ask all these questions they don't get a chance to establish their own ideas of how things should be done based upon their reading on the site.

Welcome to the site.

 

[Speedracer 64]

Clay bar will remove bonded contaminants, but won't remove any defects. Just wait until you buy a polisher before attempting anything else.

So just wash and wax. Don't clay bar it?

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

So just wash and wax. Don't clay bar it?

You could clay bar it, but if the paint is as swirled and water spotted as you say, I wouldn't bother claying it. Throw some wax on and call it a day. JMO. Buy a polisher!!

 

[BobbyG]

Washing and claying a finish are important steps in maintaining a vehicles finish.

Protection is the final step. Sacrificial coating such as sealants and wax keep airborne contaminates, UV rays, bird droppings from severely damaging the finish...

At the very least I'd recommend using a paint cleaner before applying your wax.

Mothers California Gold Pre-Wax Cleaner is a great product that cleans and provides a perfect base for a sealant or wax.

Mothers Pre-Wax Cleaner

Working by hand is a long arduous task so take your time and do it right the first time.

After washing, I'd recommend finishing each panel separately. This approach completes each panel allowing you to stretch out the process over several days if you have to leaving you with a gorgeous shine in the end...:dblthumb2:

A dual action polisher should be in your future and yes, it makes that much of a difference...rops:

Basic steps in order are:

• Wash - Duragloss #901
• Clay - Meguiar’s Clay
• Paint Cleaner
• Seal
• Wax

I know you didn't ask but the selection of products perform outstanding and cover mosts aspects of cleaning and protection... I use these and have nothing but praise for each product....rops:



Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Meguiar’s Clay
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40[FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]

 

[Speedracer 64]

I've been reading around. Kinda nervous about using a polisher. Afraid I would mess up the paint.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I've been reading around. Kinda nervous about using a polisher. Afraid I would mess up the paint.

Don't be nervous. Pick up a PCXP and you'll be set. It's VERY safe! You almost can't mess up your paint. If you bought a rotary polisher, that's a different story.

 

[stormsearch]

I've been reading around. Kinda nervous about using a polisher. Afraid I would mess up the paint.

One of my all time favorite vid's:
How Safe is the PC-7424XP? - Part 1
[video=youtube_share;2XAqpOe9Zt4&feature=relmfu"]How Safe is the PC-7424XP? - Part 1 - YouTube[/video]